INDYCARNATION

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Helio Castroneves gives his approval as ZOOM Motorsports president Gene Hallman and American Honda Motor Company Motorsports Publi Relations manager T.E. McHale shake on the deal.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Alabama Gov. Bob Riley cited the economic impact of the inaugural IZOD IndyCar Series event at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham in April as a boon to the state. It’s the long-term benefits, however, that are most encouraging and appealing.

Riley was among state, local, racetrack and Indy Racing League officials at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Sept. 9 as American Honda Motor Company announced it will be the title sponsor of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union on April 8-10, 2011, and through 2013.

The agreement adds the 2.38-mile Barber Motorsports Park road course to Honda-titled IZOD IndyCar Series events that includes the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

“Barber Motorsports Park will be a great addition to the Honda family of IndyCar events,” said Steve Center, vice president of national marketing operations for American Honda. “The Barber facility is incredible; it’s state-of-the-art and very spectator-friendly. It has already developed a large and enthusiastic fan base, and many associates at our nearby Alabama auto assembly plant are a regular part of that audience.”

Located in nearby Lincoln, the 3.5 million-square-foot Honda Manufacturing of Alabama facility employs more than 4,000 associates at its vehicle and engine operation. The plant began production in November 2001 and produces the Odyssey minivan, Pilot SUV, Ridgeline pickup, Accord V-6 Sedan and V-6 engines. Last week, the facility reached a production milestone with the completion of the 2 millionth Honda vehicle and engine (2011 Pilot EXL Touring).

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama has been a longtime supporter of the Barber Motorsports Park and its events.

“Honda has made a huge economic impact in the state of Alabama and this is a continuation of a great relationship,” said Gene Hallman, president of event promoter ZOOM Motorsports. “We’re excited to have them as our title sponsor, and we look forward to expanding the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama together over the next several seasons.”

For the fifth consecutive year, Honda is the sole engine supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series, and its record of reliability is unmatched in motorsport. In May, the Honda Indy V-8 powered the entire 33-car starting field for the Indianapolis 500, and for a record-extending fifth consecutive year – the only five times in Indy 500 history – there was not a single engine failure.

The entitlement corresponds to a one-year sanctioning extension by the Indy Racing League.

“The fact that Honda has stepped in with its manufacturing facilities around there is just a perfect fit,” said Terry Angstadt, the Indy Racing League’s commercial division president. “In our opinion, it really completes the broad-based support of that event that should ensure its success for many years.

“Fans throughout the South enthusiastically turned out for our first event in Alabama and continue to embrace our sport.”

The event -- the only IZOD IndyCar Series race in the Deep South – had spectators from 43 states and nine countries, and showcased the state via the VERSUS and indycar.com broadcasts. 

Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves won the inaugural event April 11, holding off Scott Dixon of Target Chip Ganassi Racing by 0.5703 of a second over the 90-lap race. It was Castroneves’ first road/street course victory since August 2008 at Infineon Raceway. He also denied teammate Will Power’s bid for a series-record third consecutive victory to start the season.

"This place brings back great memories," Castroneves said. "Barber was the first time my little daughter visited Victory Lane. It was so special. I am amazed and impressed by this facility. The first time I drove here I thought I was in Europe. Mr. Barber did a great job with the whole facility. I didn't want to go off the track and mess the grass or barriers up. 

"When we are looking at the best tracks for the IZOD IndyCar Series, we knew we found one when we came here. It is great that Honda has been good enough to back the race for years to come so we can race the IndyCars here. I am happy and proud to be part of the series and thrilled to defend my title in this race."

Tickets go on sale in November at http://barbermotorsports.com/indy/. Learn more about the facility at http://www.barbermotorsports.com/.